Looking for the best Williams dispersed camping? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
It is labelled as East Pocket on a map, but known to locals as “The End of The World,” the perfect nickname to describe this climactic viewpoint. Flagstaff sits upon a lofty plateau carpeted in high-elevation pine forest, but just south of town, the bottom drops out. Below a craggy rim of volcanic rock, the land takes a precipitous plunge into an entirely different world of red rock and sandstone towers. This is the realm of Sedona, and End of The World overlooks all of it.
Pumphouse Wash (Forest Road 237) is__a popular dispersed camping area in the ponderosa pine forest__along SR 89A, midway between Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona. The area is__conveniently located near__Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff, Woody Mountain Road, Lake Mary, and a variety of recreation sites. It is a popular alternative to traditional campgrounds for visitors to Oak Creek Canyon and the Flagstaff area.There are four campsite loops, each containing__between__11 and__26 signed and numbered sites. The site offers__excellent camping opportunities for large groups as well as families and individuals.__Most sites offer partial to full shade beneath towering ponderosa pine trees, and are generally flat, making it easy to set up tents or campers. Each site has parking and a campfire ring. There is no trash service, so if you pack it in, pack it out. There are no restroom facilities. Portable toilets are highly recommended.FR 237 and the camping loop roads are well maintained and suitable for passenger cars.__Photo tour from this site [Flickr].
The Kaibab National Forest truly offers something for everyone. If you are anywhere near Northern Arizona, you won't want to miss the chance to visit us! From canyons to prairies, peaks to plateaus, the Kaibab National Forest offers layers of opportunity for peace, solitude & discovery. Whether you are seeking a primitive, dispersed camping experience or something with a few more amenities, Kaibab National Forest has lots of camping opportunities and the option to rent historic cabins.
Please check the website for the most up to date information about closings and bans.
Dispersed camping has increased throughout the Flagstaff wildland urban interface in the past several years. In many areas, this has caused resource impacts such as soil compaction and erosion, loss of vegetation, increased fire risk, displacement of wildlife, and accumulation of trash and human waste. To help prevent unacceptable resource damage, disturbance to wildlife and reduce fire risk from dispersed camping, the Forest Service has designated 14 campsites along the Freidlein Prairie road for dispersed camping. Camping and campfires are allowed only at designated sites along Freidlein Prairie Road. There is a map in the area showing site locations. All designated campsites along Freidlein Prairie (FR 522) are located on the south side of the road, with the exception of campsite #1 and #3. Signs have been placed along the road when entering and leaving the designated camping area. The designated campsites are marked with a brown vertical fiberglass post with a site number and a "Designated Campsite" decal. Each designated dispersed campsite has a place to park, fire ring, a place for a tent and no fees. Once you have found a designated site you will find another fiberglass sign that reads "Camp within 50 feet of this post to reduce impact to forest vegetation. Please take all of your trash with you and leave only one fire ring." The east end of Freidlein Prairie Road (approximately 1.5 miles) has a seasonal camping closure for campsites 10 through 14. This seasonal camping closure means campsites 10 through14 will be closed to camping from March 1 to August 31 to reduce disturbance to Mexican spotted owls during the breeding season. This area has traditionally been used by Mexican spotted owls for nesting and a pair of owls are being impacted by increased recreational use and are failing to reproduce. Most sites cannot accommodate RV. Seasonal closures or fire restrictions/closures may be in place. During both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, campfires are prohibited at this site. Gas operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed.
Road conditions can change seasonally. Please be aware there is the potential for road closures.
The vast majority of all three ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest is open to dispersed camping unless specifically restricted for reasons such as proximity to developed campgrounds or other natural or cultural resource concerns. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a developed campground. If you plan to disperse camp on the Kaibab National Forest, please review our Dispersed Camping Guidelines and Restrictions. Guidelines: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5313083.pdf Restrictions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd737153.pdf
Guide
This was our first time boondocking in the forest of Williams, AZ. A friend told us about the free dispersed camping along Dog Town Rd. which is only about 5 miles outside of the cute town of Williams. There are many spots available to boondocks amidst the cool pines and forest. Tent camping, RV's, 4x4s, were everywhere. We give this area 4 stars only because recent logging in the area left some areas with ugly burn piles and stacks of burned wood. Otherwise, it was a great location.
Close to the Grand Canyon, Bearizona, Route 66, Dog Town Lake, Coleman Lake, Flagstaff, Lava Tubes Cave, Deer Park
Scout
As of May 1, 2023 the Coconino National Forest Service has closed down many dispersed camping areas around the city of Flagstaff. This area is included in that. You can still drive off-road and explore during the day when the Walnut Canyon National Monument is open, but no camping and no camp fires are allowed.
Scout
This is a good dispersed camping spot with lots of sites and vegetation to keep you hidden. Flat level terrain.
Traveler
Just a nice dispersed camping spot, easy access off the main road, and not too far out of Sedona. Loved this spot!
Traveler
Corroborate the most recent reviews. Giving it a 3 becuz we've had such gr8 times there and last time showed up at nite to discover all the spread out dispersed sites were now mining claims but we stayed anyway. Not all the sites have signs stating (as of Aug 22) the mining claim, but are blocked off by rocks. Def a hassle to park so far away from where u would wanna camp. Obvs ur own discretion. Did prompt some reading on mining claims on federal land blm land and it seems pretty screwed. Jus the thought they might be destroying this beautiful location for whatever mining purpose, also not good cuz it's so close to ancient cliff dwellings. Truly still wildin in the west when it comes to mining.
Guide
Nice dispersed camping spot just off the AZT. Plenty of room and nice spots, flat with awesome views north of the San Francisco Peaks.
Traveler
This was one of the quickest and easiest dispersed camping spots I've set up in. In the morning, it's super easy to get back onto the road, hit the trails, or head into Flagstaff.
Traveler
We opted to come up Schnebly Hill Rd from the west side (downtown Sedona). If you take this approach, a 4x4 with high clearance is a must. Bonus if you have some off-roading experience. There were some pretty gnarly rock patches that required some skill to traverse safely (thanks to my husband!) We camped at two different spots along the road on consecutive nights. Both nights were relatively quiet with only a few vehicles passing. Secluded, quiet, beautiful, flat - overall the perfect dispersed camping spots! If you drive in from the I-17 side, the spots get really sweet about 5-6 miles in. Not suitable for RVs but perfect for RTT or tent camping
Traveler
Road is well maintained, plenty of dispersed camping spots. We have a 26 ft class c RV and there was plenty of spots for us. There were a lot of ATVs and dirt bikes which were pretty noisy but other than that this place was great. Verizon and ATT both have cell service. 1-2 bars of LTE.
Guide
Dispersed camping down a long, dirt road overlooking beautiful canyon and Sedona red rock. Rock fire rings at some sites, but signs indicated camp fires were not allowed. This is a very popular camping spot, so arrive early or try to camp during the week. Off-road vehicle recommended. We encountered many mosquitoes and bees, so bring big spray.
Guide
Great dispersed camping spot close to Sedona!
Heads up we camped a little further down on Beaverhead Rd where there were more open spots and an easier dirt road to drive onto. Plenty of spots to choose from which was surprising on a holiday week (Christmas to New Years). The camping was a lot quieter than I expected even though there were a bunch of other campers. Everyone seemed to be able to find a spot far enough from another to have a secluded space.
The location is super convenient from Oak Village and downtown Sedona. There is even a back way on highway 89 if you find yourself in West Sedona and don't want to drive through traffic to get to highway 179.
Legend
Boondocking off a forest rd. There are a number of camping spots off a forest rd. Most are level. Good cell reception. There's a lake that has a nice trail and campground.
LegendWe stopped here for the night after spending all day in Sedona. Sedona turned out to be incredibly crowded and busy when we were there, and there was no room for us anywhere even to pull over and park somewhere. Definitely not the mystical healing relaxing place I'd heard so much about.
We thought at least if Sedona was a disappointment, hopefully the surrounding dispersed camping land would be beautiful. However, all the Forest Service land surrounding Sedona that we thought would be great to boondock on had roads that were way too rough and rutted for us in our 26ft motorhome.
So we stopped here at this spot for the night, at the very beginning of FS Rd 525 (Loy Butte Rd), along with lots of other RVs and vans and busses, and left first thing in the morning. The area was really crowded, but we were pleasantly surprised at how quiet and respectful everyone staying here was.
Good cell reception.
Ranger
Great dispersed sites. Probably at least 15 or so sites. Most have fire pits and plenty of space. Nothing extra special other than the fact that it’s free camping not even 5 minutes from the South Gate of Grand Canyon NP.
TravelerAbsolutely love this area. About 10 mins from Williams.
Traveler
pretty flat and a bit rocky but easy to find a spot or clear a spot. Here end of April and lots of people here. Met someone who say she comes here often from Williams and safety never an issue. All wheel drive best. Great views!!!
ScoutHad a great time, dispersed camping, free spot, lots of spots, clean. Just a short drive to some great watering holes. Took a star off because there was no water within walking distance, and not much of a view from our spot. I also took a star off because it was busy and loud.
RangerAbout the same as camping on the west side of the hwy. There’s a ton of traffic, no respect from other campers who blast music, trash the forest, fire off guns at all hours, and overall not a great vibe.
Camped here over 2 days and the land, trees and forest are beautiful all around so IF you can find a secluded area you’ll be ok.
NO CELL service so take that into consideration when dispersed camping
ScoutIn order to decrease the risk of wildfires, the city of Flagstaff has placed a ban on dispersed camping within a certain perimeter near the city and this site now falls within this banned zone. A friendly ranger was parked there to divert campers and help guide to other dispersed camping options
TravelerThis is a nice spot for a free camping trip. There is no bathrooms, there is no place to get water, and as others have said it does get dirty. That being said most people pick up after themselves so most of the sites are clean and the area is quite beautiful. We used this place after we could not get a camping spot in oak creek canyon, and we did notice that it was quite a bit colder than down in the canyon at night. Designated sites were sporadically spaced out so some were close together but there was generally a decent amount of space for each site. It was a busy weekend and there was still plenty of open sites on Saturdaynight, and it looked like most people packed up and left in the morning, so I imagine there's always sites available.
The only real negative was that the sites where people left trash looked destroyed, animals got into the trash bags and made a mess. There was a big party camping just down the way from us who blasted music until 1 AM, and it didn't bother us--the space is wade enough that the music wasn't too loud--but if you like your nature to be more peaceful then you might run into that problem. There was also some people practicing shooting nearby so we could hear the occasional pop-pop-pop in the distance but the area was for the most part peaceful, just families enjoying nature.
If you're looking for a quick and FREE option last minute where you dont have to check in and there aren't too many rules and you don't mind the noise other people make, this is a great spot. Just please pack out your trash.
Scout
Dispersed Camping Sedona
Legend
I stayed here a year ago and came back while passing through. Much better AT&T service this stay. You have your choice of wooden or sun filled sites. Dry camping with no services but just 10 minutes from Williams. Be respectful and kind and pack out your trash. Very quiet at night and didn’t have an issue locating a level spot during my stay.
Scout
Rough paved roads, but our Recvan did fine. We saw an Elk, it saw us, we walked back quickly. The surroundings are mainly bushes and rocks. Free camping with total solitude. AT&T and Tmobile both show good service. Verizon is unknown.
Legend
Easy access to great dispersed camping. Although this is a big area, it’s busy and good spots fill up fast! We were here just after a rainstorm and the road was slippery and muddy. We didn’t have too much trouble in our FWD van but be aware that the road changes drastically in the rain! Stayed for a few days, hiked around and had a lovely stay. Was clean and trash free and everyone was pretty quiet and respectful.
ScoutCamped here for two nights in two different spots. Both were great, plenty of distance between me and other campers, quiet and peaceful. There were some motor bikes and ATV’s over the weekend but nothing crazy. Good free camping that is easy to access and peaceful!
Traveler
We love this area for dispersed camping. Easy access from I-17, beautiful views, wildlife, nice weather!
ScoutI’ve stayed here twice now and it’s absolutely gorgeous here. Dispersed camping. No trash dumpster. pack in packet out keep it beautiful
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Williams, Arizona, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while finding their perfect spot away from the crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Williams, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Williams, AZ is Edge of the World (East Pocket) with a 4.5-star rating from 48 reviews.
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